Bromley L. Armstrong Awards

Bromley Lloyd Armstrong 

A Black trade unionist, community organizer and activist, Bromley Lloyd Armstrong was a pivotal figure in the early anti-discrimination campaigns in Ontario that led to Canada’s first anti-discrimination laws. As a self-described “blood and guts” ally of the working poor, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the trade union movement and the battle against disadvantage and discrimination. For more than six decades, Armstrong worked for human rights, helping to generate civic and government support for racial equality and advocating for human rights reforms in public policy. The Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Awards were established in 2005 to celebrate his legacy and recognize those who have taken up the mantle within our movement. 

Bromley L. Armstrong Awards Gala

On behalf of Labour Community Services, and the Equity Committee of Toronto & York Region Labour Council, we invite you to join us for the 19th annual Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Awards Gala to celebrate the amazing work being done in the areas of labour, equity, and human rights on June 21, 2024. Click the following link or the poster below for full event details, award nomination forms and ticket/sponsor information: https://www.labourcommunityservices.ca/bromleygala2024

Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Award and Special Recognition Recipients

The following individuals and unions have been recognized for their tireless work in the areas of equity, inclusion, and human rights. In 2021, the addition of presenting an award to a union was added. 

BROMLEY L. ARMSTRONG AWARD RECIPIENTS

2005 June Veecock
2006 Clarence Forde
2007 Nicole Ma
2008 Hassan Yussuff
2009 Marie Clarke Walker
2010 Pura Velasco
2011 Janice Gairey
2012 Jojo Geronimo
2013 Fred Upshaw
2014 Herman Stewart
2015 Beverley Johnson
2016 David Onyalo
2016 Winnie Ng
2017 Helen Liu
2017 Tyler Downey
2018 Nigel Barriffe
2019 Mark Brown
2021 Chris Campbell
2021 Liyu Guo
2021 Ivan Dawns
2021 SEIU Healthcare (Union)
2022 Vanessa Stoby
2022 Carol Wall
2022 Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation - District 16 (Union)
2023 Joseanne Job
2023 Nicholas Marcus Thompson
2023 Abdi Hagi Yusuf
2023 Toronto Education Workers (CUPE Local 4400) (Union)
2023 Society of United Professionals (IFPTE 160) (Union)

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

Barry Stevens, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Pat May Chandler, Canadian Union of Public Employees
2021 John Cartwright, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
2021 Megan Whitfield, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
2021 Andria Babbington, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
2022 Carolyn Egan, United Steelworkers 8300

Learn more about Bromley Lloyd Armstrong

Welcome to Canada 

On Tuesday April 27, 1954 the Toronto-based Negro Citizenship Association (NCA) made history when it went to Ottawa to demand changes in the discriminatory policies of the Canadian Immigration Act. Led by Donald Moore, the delegation received support from many community groups, including the Canadian Labour Congress and The Toronto and Lakeshore Labour Council - precursor of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. In “Welcome to Canada”, long time union activist and co-founder of the NCA, Bromley Armstrong, sheds light on the circumstances around this historic moment.

Breaking Barriers, Linking Struggles

Let's learn from those in our movement who spent a lifetime tackling systemic racism.

Honouring Our Black Leaders

The Labour Council salutes the leaders who made a difference inside and outside the Labour Movement in Canada. Let's also remember our Historical Alliance with the Canadian Civil Rights Movement and strengthen our solidarity.

United in Fighting Against Anything A Conversation with Ruth Malloy

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